Jeremy Lin | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/jeremy-lin
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LeBron has gone, Love is in the air: NBA free agency winners and losershttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/22/lebron-james-kevin-love-nba-free-agency
<p>Here's our selection of those who have done well (Cleveland, natch) and those (Houston, obvs) who have not<br></p><p>In the NBA, free agency goes pretty fast: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF1tNyzM1CA">as Ferris Bueller would say</a>, if you don't stop to look around you could miss it. </p><p>This year, you may have lost track after LeBron James made the Decision II – whether because of the World Cup or the MLB All-Star Game, or because you were actually interacting with friends and family. If so, here's what happened. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/22/lebron-james-kevin-love-nba-free-agency">Continue reading...</a>NBABasketballUS sportsSportLeBron JamesLuol DengJeremy LinNew York KnicksChicago BullsLos Angeles LakersHouston RocketsMiami HeatDallas MavericksSacramento KingsPhoenix SunsCleveland CavaliersBrooklyn NetsWashington WizardsSan Antonio SpursNew Orleans PelicansMemphis GrizzliesLos Angeles ClippersMilwaukee BucksDetroit PistonsGolden State WarriorsMinnesota TimberwolvesTue, 22 Jul 2014 12:30:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/22/lebron-james-kevin-love-nba-free-agencyPhotograph: Michael Nelson/EPAKobe Bryant is injured. When he isn't, he will now play with Jeremy Lin, not against him. Photo: Michael Nelson/EPAPhotograph: Michael Nelson/EPAKobe Bryant is injured. When he isn't, he will now play with Jeremy Lin, not against him. Photo: Michael Nelson/EPAPhotograph: Kirby Lee/USA Today SportsBlake Griffin and Chris Paul are staying with the LA Clippers. Photograph: Kirby Lee/USA Today SportsPhotograph: Kirby Lee/USA Today SportsBlake Griffin and Chris Paul are staying with the LA Clippers. Photograph: Kirby Lee/USA Today SportsPhotograph: Ng Han Guan/APLeBron James, his offseason business complete, attends a sponsors' event in Beijing. Photograph: Ng Han Guan/APPhotograph: Ng Han Guan/APLeBron James, his offseason business complete, attends a sponsors' event in Beijing. Photograph: Ng Han Guan/APHunter Felt2014-07-22T12:30:09ZBosh, Wade and Deng help Heat rebound from LeBron return to Cleveland | Hunter Felthttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/16/bosh-wade-deng-miami-heat-lebron-cleveland
<p>Miami's Big Three is now the Somewhat Substantial Three after the Heat moved smartly to counter the loss of King James<br><br>• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jul/14/lebron-james-politician-cleveland-role-model">LeBron is now a politician – and we need more like him</a></p><p>It didn't take long for the Miami Heat to rebound. On Friday night, hours after LeBron James <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/11/lebron-james-cleveland-miami-nba">confirmed he was leaving</a> to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Heat re-signed forward Chris Bosh to a contract of <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/chris-bosh-and-the-miami-heat-have-agreed-on-a-massive--worrying--free-agent-contract-223838329.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&amp;utm_medium=twitter">five years and $118m</a>. A few days later, they completed a deal to re-sign a self-proclaimed Heat lifer. Dwyane Wade <a href="http://instagram.com/p/qeyAwCFCDy">announced it on Instagram</a>.</p><p>While the loss of James means they may no longer be the odds-on favorites to win the NBA Finals, as they have been in recent seasons, re-signing two of the Big Three and adding Luol Deng ensures that the Heat will at least be a playoff threat in the Eastern Conference.<br /></p><p>With a $20.64M first-year salary, next season Chris Bosh will earn more than Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili &amp; Kawhi Leonard COMBINED (!!)</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/16/bosh-wade-deng-miami-heat-lebron-cleveland">Continue reading...</a>NBABasketballMiami HeatUS sportsSportHouston RocketsCleveland CavaliersLeBron JamesLuol DengJeremy LinWed, 16 Jul 2014 12:00:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/16/bosh-wade-deng-miami-heat-lebron-clevelandPhotograph: Nam Y. Huh/APGreat Britain's Luol Deng in action for the Chicago Bulls.Photograph: Nam Y. Huh/APGreat Britain's Luol Deng in action for the Chicago Bulls.Photograph: David Santiago/APDwyane Wade, left, talks to Chris Bosh during Game 4 of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Photo: USA Today SportsPhotograph: David Santiago/APDwyane Wade, left, talks to Chris Bosh during Game 4 of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Photo: USA Today SportsHunter Felt2014-07-16T12:00:05ZIt's trade deadline time – but Thunder's Westbrook dilemma really grips | Hunter Felthttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/feb/19/nba-trade-deadline-oklahoma-city-thunder-westbrook
<p>Is the star back too soon? How will he affect Durant’s form? And can we please stop talking about Mount Rushmore?</p><p>All right – <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/feb/17/nba-all-star-weekend-clips">All-Star weekend has come and gone</a> and players, coaches and most especially general managers only have a few days left to decide if they want to make a straightforward trade. </p><p><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24447202/nba-trading-deadline-2014-what-to-watch-for">The NBA trade deadline is this Thursday,</a> which should be interesting if only because many teams have to figure out if they are going to be buyers or sellers. Well, it should be interesting, as long as we don’t see a repeat of last season, when JJ Redick was the biggest name to move.<br /></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/feb/19/nba-trade-deadline-oklahoma-city-thunder-westbrook">Continue reading...</a>NBAUS sportsSportBasketballLos Angeles LakersBoston CelticsNew York KnicksOklahoma City ThunderJeremy LinDenver NuggetsAtlanta HawksSacramento KingsHouston RocketsCleveland CavaliersToronto RaptorsWed, 19 Feb 2014 17:14:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/feb/19/nba-trade-deadline-oklahoma-city-thunder-westbrookPhotograph: Pat Sullivan/APKnicks to bring back Jeremy Lin? That’s… Linsane. Photo: Pat Sullivan/APPhotograph: Pat Sullivan/APKnicks to bring back Jeremy Lin? That’s… Linsane. Photo: Pat Sullivan/APPhotograph: Bill Waugh/ReutersMost likely, no NBA trade deadline acquisition will help a team more than Russell Westbrook will help the Oklahoma City Thunder when he returns to lineup. Photograph: Bill Waugh/ReutersPhotograph: Bill Waugh/ReutersMost likely, no NBA trade deadline acquisition will help a team more than Russell Westbrook will help the Oklahoma City Thunder when he returns to lineup. Photograph: Bill Waugh/ReutersHunter Felt2014-02-19T17:14:06ZEverything you need to know about the 2013-14 NBA seasonhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/oct/29/nba-2013-14-season-preview
As the NBA returns, here is all you need to know about all 30 teams, from the Miami Heat aiming to three-peat to the Philadelphia 76ers being "strategically noncompetitive"<p>In case you haven't figured it out from the fact that LeBron James's face is staring at you from every magazine rack, the 2013-14 NBA season will start up again on October 29. It feels like the NBA season just came to an end, but that might just be a byproduct of how long its postseason lasts. Weren't the San Antonio Spurs like <em>just</em> about to win the NBA Finals, it was so clear that <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jun/19/san-antonio-spurs-miami-heat-nba-finals-live">Miami Heat fans left American Airlines Arena rather than witness the end of all-but-certain end of their season</a>. Of course, then Ray Allen hit the biggest three of his life, and he has hit many threes in his long basketball life, and suddenly the Miami Heat weren't just alive they were in command of the series as they <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/gallery/2013/jun/21/miami-heat-nba-champions-in-pictures">won their second straight NBA Finals in Game Seven</a> to cap off an end of a surprisingly entertaining postseason. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/oct/29/nba-2013-14-season-preview">Continue reading...</a>NBAUS sportsBasketballMiami HeatBoston CelticsBrooklyn NetsCleveland CavaliersChicago BullsToronto RaptorsCharlotte HornetsNew Orleans PelicansNew York KnicksPhiladelphia 76ersMilwaukee BucksMinnesota TimberwolvesPortland Trail BlazersSacramento KingsUtah JazzDallas MavericksWashington WizardsLos Angeles ClippersLos Angeles LakersMemphis GrizzliesDenver NuggetsGolden State WarriorsAtlanta HawksPhoenix SunsSan Antonio SpursOklahoma City ThunderIndiana PacersLeBron JamesJeremy LinLuol DengSportTue, 29 Oct 2013 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/oct/29/nba-2013-14-season-previewRonald Martinez/Getty ImagesThe Pacers have raised expectations by taking the Heat to a Game Seven. Photograph: Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesJOE SKIPPER/ReutersCan the Miami Heat three-peat? Photograph: Joe Skipper/ReutersLM Otero/APWill Mark Cuban ever get to take the NBA championship trophy to the restroom again? Photograph: LM Otero/APRick Bowmer/APCan Blake Griffin and the Clippers finally break through?Photograph: Rick Bowmer/APMatt Marton/USA Today SportsThe Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose is back on the court after losing an entire NBA season to injury, but will he and his team be able to prevent LeBron James and the Miami Heat from making it a three-peat? Photograph: Matt Marton/USA Today SportsHunter Felt2013-10-29T11:00:00ZHarvard upset of New Mexico begins the destruction of your March Madness brackethttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/mar/22/harvard-crimson-new-mexico-lobos-bracket
No. 14 Harvard Crimson defeated the No. 3 New Mexico Lobos 68-62 for their first NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament win<p>It may technically have been after midnight on the East Coast, but Thursday's first full day of March Madness did create at least one memorable upset. 14th seeded Harvard defeated third-seeded New Mexico, giving the school its first win in NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament history. Not even <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/mar/21/president-obama-march-madness-ncaa-bracket">notable Harvard alumni President Obama, who had New Mexico winning the game in his bracket</a>, had the audacity to hope that Harvard would survive, but the Crimson managed to pull out a 68-62 victory over the Lobos. Harvard's victory was a highlight of a busy day of college basketball otherwise highlighted by the upsets that didn't happen.</p><p>New Mexico were heavy favorites over Harvard, some even had them making the Final Four, but the Lobos did not even have a lead for the entire first half. Wesley Saunders led the Crimson's scorers with 18 points, while his teammate Laurent Rivard contributed five threes. Despite their school's academic reputation, Harvard didn't play the smartest game of the day, notably they had to burn two timeouts trying to inbound a ball in the game's final minute, <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=330800167">but they were able to shoot 52% while limiting New Mexico to 37% shooting</a>. That turned out to be enough to make them the first No. 14 to beat a No. 3 since Ohio did it in 2010, beating Georgetown.</p><p>YYYYYEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!! HARVARD winssss!!! hahahahhah i told you.... <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23threepointgoggles">#threepointgoggles</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23bracketbusters">#bracketbusters</a> <a href="http://t.co/ZlpqTFCPtM" title="http://twitter.com/JLin7/status/314955449734664192/photo/1">twitter.com/JLin7/status/3…</a></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/mar/22/harvard-crimson-new-mexico-lobos-bracket">Continue reading...</a>March MadnessBasketballNCAANCAA tournamentSportUS sportsCollege basketballHarvard UniversityJeremy LinBarack ObamaFri, 22 Mar 2013 13:22:53 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/mar/22/harvard-crimson-new-mexico-lobos-bracketJIM URQUHART/REUTERSHarvard's Wesley Saunders is shown here doing roughly the same thing to New Mexico's Alex Kirk what his school did to many fans' brackets. Reuters/Jim UrquhartJIM URQUHART/REUTERSHarvard guard Wesley Saunders (23) takes a shot while defended by New Mexico center Alex Kirk (53) during the second half of their second round NCAA tournament basketball game in Salt Lake City, Utah, March 21, 2013. Harvard beat New Mexico 68-62. The NCAA win was the in Harvard history. REUTERS/Jim Urquhart (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASKETBALL TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)
:rel:d:bm:GF2E93M0F3J01 Photograph: JIM URQUHART/REUTERSHunter Felt2013-03-22T13:22:53ZAlicia Keys moves from Super Bowl anthem to NBA All-Star half-timehttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/feb/06/alicia-keys-nba-all-star-halftime
Alicia Keys, fresh from her Super Bowl Star Spangled Banner performance, is set for the NBA All-Star half-time show<br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2013/feb/06/rudy-gay-memphis-grizzlies-toronto-raptors">NBA: Five things we learned this week</a><p>Next stop for Alicia Keys? NBA All-Star weekend. The superstar, fresh off her national anthem performance at the Super Bowl football championship, is set to be the half-time entertainment at the February 17 game.</p><p>She's just one of several musicians on tap. Ne-Yo will sing during player introductions, while John Legend will sing the national anthem. Singer and Lincoln actress Gloria Reuben will sing the Canadian anthem.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/feb/06/alicia-keys-nba-all-star-halftime">Continue reading...</a>NBAUS sportsBrooklyn NetsLos Angeles LakersSportAlicia KeysMusicHouston RocketsJeremy LinGolden State WarriorsWed, 06 Feb 2013 16:14:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/feb/06/alicia-keys-nba-all-star-halftimePictureGroup / Rex Features/PictureGroup / Rex FeaturesAlicia Keys sings the Star Spangled Banner at Super Bowl XLVII. Now she will perform at half-time in the NBA All-Star game. Photograph: PictureGroup/Rex FeaturesPictureGroup / Rex Features/PictureGroup / Rex FeaturesPhoto by PictureGroup / Rex Features Photograph: PictureGroup / Rex FeaturesAssociated Press2013-02-06T16:14:00ZWhy Rudy Gay trade may be good for Memphis Grizzlies but not for the Toronto Raptorshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2013/feb/06/rudy-gay-memphis-grizzlies-toronto-raptors
The Memphis Grizzlies trade Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors; Gregg Popovich may or may not coach Tim Duncan in the All-Star Game; Billy Hunter is gone; injury report<p>Somewhere there's a casual sports fan who is still adjusting to <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/feb/05/super-bowl-harbaugh-brothers-ray-lewis-retires">the end of the NFL season</a>. Searching for something to occupy their time in this post-Super Bowl world, they remember basketball. Remembering the preseason NBA storylines, this fan reads the latest news to answer such questions as &quot;How far ahead in the West are Mike Brown's Lakers?&quot;, &quot;How good are the 76ers with Andrew Bynum?&quot; and &quot;How is Rajon Rondo doing now that he's the undisputed leader of the Boston Celtics?&quot; The news is shocking: the Lakers are struggling, Brown is unemployed, Bynum hasn't played a game and Rondo is out for the season. Still, there is comfort: Gregg Popovich is honored as the best coach in the Western Conference, LeBron James is better than everyone else and Metta World Peace is still completely and utterly nuts. At least, the sports fan thinks, some things remain constant.</p><p><br />The report is hundreds of pages. They are so loaded with questionable behavior that a nearly amusing time-management issue emerges: With all the hours Hunter evidently dedicated to increasing his own salary, taking vacations, seeking reimbursement for work he allegedly did on vacation, directing complex deals to deliver union work to vendors with ties to his children, hiring friends and family ... how much time could he have really had to work on behalf of players?</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2013/feb/06/rudy-gay-memphis-grizzlies-toronto-raptors">Continue reading...</a>US sportsNBASan Antonio SpursMiami HeatBoston CelticsLos Angeles LakersMemphis GrizzliesCharlotte HornetsToronto RaptorsJeremy LinSportWed, 06 Feb 2013 15:49:18 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2013/feb/06/rudy-gay-memphis-grizzlies-toronto-raptorsNathan Denette/APRudy Gay celebrates being a Toronto Raptor in his first game after being traded by the Memphis Grizzlies. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)Nathan Denette/APToronto Raptors forward Rudy Gay, right, celebrates with Quincy Acy during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Toronto on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)
color;colour;sports;play;court;competitive;competition;compete;athletics;athletic;athlete;action;NBA;basketball;Toronto;Canada;Canadian;Raptors;sport;playing;2013 Photograph: Nathan Denette/APHunter Felt2013-02-06T15:49:18ZRubio and Irving return while the NBA gets ready to celebrate Christmashttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/dec/19/ricky-rubio-kyrie-irving-christmas-games
Ricky Rubio returns to the Minnesota Timberwolves; a masked Kyrie Irving returns to the Cleveland Cavaliers; NBA Christmas continues despite grinches; and other things we've learned in week seven<p>Honestly, as a NBA fan, it feels like Christmas has come early. Just think: one year ago, we were still waiting for the start of the NBA season. Now? We've already had seven weeks of NBA games to enjoy. This week alone we've gotten the returns of Ricky Rubio and Kyrie Irving, game-winners from both rookie Damian Lillard and the Brooklyn Nets' Joe Johnson and one more burst of Linsanity. Let's face it, we're already blessed and we haven't even seen what the NBA has gotten us for Christmas yet.</p><p>One of the most distasteful aspects of commissioner David Stern's legacy - ruining Christmas for far too many people - comes into play again this year with five televised games scheduled. &quot;It used to be two teams,&quot; retired coach Phil Jackson said. &quot;But I don't think anybody should play on Christmas Day. Your little kids are putting batteries in their new toys, all kinds of family stuff going on, and now you're supposed to get focused on a game in the middle of the afternoon?&quot;</p><p>Jackson is among many observers who point out the obvious: that Stern, who celebrates Hanukkah, has no real feel for Christmas in the first place.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/dec/19/ricky-rubio-kyrie-irving-christmas-games">Continue reading...</a>US sportsNBASportCleveland CavaliersMinnesota TimberwolvesPortland Trail BlazersNew Orleans PelicansBrooklyn NetsNew York KnicksHouston RocketsAtlanta HawksGolden State WarriorsJeremy LinWed, 19 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/dec/19/ricky-rubio-kyrie-irving-christmas-gamesGenevieve Ross/APChristmas came ten days early for some NBA fans as Ricky Rubio returned to the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 15. Photograph: Genevieve Ross/APGenevieve Ross/APMinnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio (9), of Spain, passes the ball around Dallas Mavericks power forward Elton Brand (42) during the first half on an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, in Minneapolis. Rubio is making his season debut after recovering from surgery on his left knee. (AP Photo/Genevieve Ross) Photograph: Genevieve Ross/APHunter Felt2012-12-19T12:00:00ZJeremy Lin returns to New York and leads Rockets to victory over Knickshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/dec/18/jeremy-lin-new-york-knicks-houston-rockets
Jeremy Lin leads Houston Rockets to 109-96 victory over New York Knicks on return to Madison Square Garden<p>Linsanity returned to New York for one night only, but this time it was the Knicks on the receiving end as Jeremy Lin's Houston Rockets claimed a 109-96 victory.</p><p>Lin scored 22 points and added eight assists on his return to Madison Square Garden, ending the Knicks' 10-game home winning streak to open the NBA season.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/dec/18/jeremy-lin-new-york-knicks-houston-rockets">Continue reading...</a>Jeremy LinNBAHouston RocketsNew York KnicksUS sportsSportTue, 18 Dec 2012 15:47:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/dec/18/jeremy-lin-new-york-knicks-houston-rocketsHenny Ray Abrams/APHouston Rockets' Jeremy Lin scores against the New York Knicks on his return to Madison Square Garden in New York, Monday, Dec. 17, 2012. Photograph: Henny Ray Abrams/APHenny Ray Abrams/APHouston Rockets' Jeremy Lin, center, scores two of his 22 points on New York Knicks' Pablo Prigioni, left, and Tyson Chandler in the third quarter of the NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden in New York, Monday, Dec. 17, 2012. Houston won 109-96. Photograph: Henny Ray Abrams/APSteve Busfield in New York2012-12-18T15:47:00ZLA Lakers struggle, the Oklahoma City Thunder roll and Linsanity briefly returnshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/dec/12/lakers-struggle-linsanity-returns-thunder-roll
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to struggle; the Oklahoma City Thunder play fine without James Harden; and the San Antonio Spurs' Stephen Jackson makes a costly Twitter mistake<p>Although the Miami Heat have had a few hiccups and the Knicks and Nets are fighting for the hearts and minds of New York's basketball fans, the best NBA storylines this last week have been in the West and not the East. The Western Conference remains wide open, but the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder are playing well enough to suggest we could have a repeat of <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/may/25/thunder-spurs-heat-celtics-sixers-nba-playoffs">last season's Conference Finals</a>. The Los Angeles Lakers, meanwhile, are far from being the superteam that many predicted, they aren't even the best team in the city. While it's still early in the NBA season, it's starting to become a tad too late for teams to use that as an excuse.</p><p>&quot;Somebody tell serg Abaka. He aint bout dis life. Next time he run up on me im goin in his mouth. That's a promise. He doin 2 much.&quot;</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/dec/12/lakers-struggle-linsanity-returns-thunder-roll">Continue reading...</a>US sportsSportNBALos Angeles LakersJeremy LinOklahoma City ThunderHouston RocketsSan Antonio SpursLos Angeles ClippersWed, 12 Dec 2012 15:15:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/dec/12/lakers-struggle-linsanity-returns-thunder-rollSue Ogrocki/APIn this picture, which is by no means symbolic of the Western Conference standings, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook speeds past Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard. Photograph: Sue Ogrocki/APSue Ogrocki/APOklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots in front of Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) in the third quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City, Friday, Dec. 7, 2012. Oklahoma City won 114-108.(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) Photograph: Sue Ogrocki/APHunter Felt2012-12-12T15:15:02ZLeBron James and Dwyane Wade make Miami Heat too hot for Hawkshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/dec/11/lebron-james-dwyane-wade-miami-heat
Heat improve to 10-1 at home; Tony Parker triple-double takes Spurs past Rockets in OT; Toronto's Johnson restrained<p>LeBron James scored 27 points and Dwyane Wade added 26 as the <strong>Miami Heat</strong> pulled away in the second half to beat the <strong>Atlanta Hawks</strong> 101-92 on Monday.</p><p>James (10-16) and Wade (11-13) made 21 of 29 shots for Miami, which shot 58% overall to improve to 10-1 at home this season. Chris Bosh had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Norris Cole scored 10 for the Heat, who handed the Hawks only their second loss in 11 games. Josh Smith scored 22 points and Al Horford finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds for Atlanta.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/dec/11/lebron-james-dwyane-wade-miami-heat">Continue reading...</a>NBAMiami HeatAtlanta HawksLeBron JamesSan Antonio SpursHouston RocketsJeremy LinPortland Trail BlazersToronto RaptorsUS sportsSportDwyane WadeTue, 11 Dec 2012 14:47:16 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/dec/11/lebron-james-dwyane-wade-miami-heatRhona Wise/ReutersMiami Heat's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade smile during the second half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks. Photograph: Rhona Wise/ReutersRhona Wise/ReutersMiami Heat's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade smile during the second half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks. Photograph: Rhona Wise/ReutersAssociated Press2012-12-11T14:47:16ZLeBron James of Miami Heat tops NBA jersey sales as Jeremy Lin falls awayhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/28/lebron-james-miami-heat-jeremy-lin-jersey-sales
• Miami star back on top after NBA title and Olympic success<br />• Read Hunter Felt's <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2012/nov/28/reggie-evans-flops-rajon-rondo-magic">5 things from NBA week 4 here</a><p>The Miami Heat star LeBron James has reached the top of the NBA's jersey sales list – a reliable indicator of players' popularity among the population at large – for the third time. The NBA's reigning MVP and Finals MVP was fourth in the last such rankings, which were released in April.</p><p>Jeremy Lin, the &quot;Linsanity&quot; star whose New York Knicks jersey was No2 in the last rankings, has fallen out of the top 15 <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jul/18/jeremy-lin-ny-knicks-houston-rockets">after his move to the Houston Rockets</a> in July.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/28/lebron-james-miami-heat-jeremy-lin-jersey-sales">Continue reading...</a>NBALeBron JamesMiami HeatJeremy LinHouston RocketsUS sportsSportWed, 28 Nov 2012 17:32:20 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/28/lebron-james-miami-heat-jeremy-lin-jersey-salesLouis Lopez/ Louis Lopez/ZUMA Press/CorbisLeBron James is back on top of the NBA's jersey-sales list. Photograph: Louis Lopez/ Louis Lopez/ZUMA Press/CorbisLouis Lopez/ Louis Lopez/ZUMA Press/CorbisLeBron James is back on top of the NBA's jersey-sales list. Photograph: Louis Lopez/ Louis Lopez/ZUMA Press/CorbisAssociated Press2012-11-28T17:32:20ZReggie Evans flops; Rajon Rondo chases Magic; and dunk of the weekhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/nov/28/reggie-evans-flops-rajon-rondo-magic
Brooklyn's Reggie Evans became the first NBA player to be fined for flopping; Boston' Rajon Rondo is chasing Magic Johnson's record; Dikembe Mutombo will save the world<p>David Stern, attending the first game between the New York Knicks and the newly relocated and rebranded Brooklyn Nets, gave the impression that this was something of a victory lap for the longtime NBA commissioner. Stern, who announced in the offseason that he would step down from his duties in early 2014 certainly had to be glad to see professional basketball flourishing in New York again towards the end of this reign, after many years where it was literally a punchline. Not that this has been an entirely easy time for Stern and the NBA, when is it ever, as the league's &quot;crackdown&quot; on flopping found its first target, injuries continued to plague some of the sport's biggest names and the Washington Wizards, well, existed. Still, one year to the day that the owners and players reached a tentative agreement to end the lockout, Stern seems content, or at least just be happy that he's not <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Bettman">Gary Bettman</a>.</p><p>&quot;These are not the actions of a man who wants to do something about flopping. They are the words of a man who doesn't want to do anything about it, but would really appreciate if you would take your criticism elsewhere over what's going on in his league&quot;.</p><p>&quot;They should just let the refs ref. They keep changing the rules. The refs are doing the best job they can. If you keep changing the rules they're going to miss calls. And then we blame the refs for that. For these missed calls. If they stopped changing the rules, the refs would've been adjusted to this. They're just trying to do their job. Back in the days, that was never a foul.&quot;</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/nov/28/reggie-evans-flops-rajon-rondo-magic">Continue reading...</a>US sportsSportNBABrooklyn NetsNew York KnicksMinnesota TimberwolvesLos Angeles LakersBoston CelticsPhiladelphia 76ersJeremy LinOklahoma City ThunderWashington WizardsMiami HeatCleveland CavaliersCharlotte HornetsWed, 28 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/nov/28/reggie-evans-flops-rajon-rondo-magicKathy Willens/APAs of this writing, David Stern has yet to find a way to fine Reggie Evans for this particular moment of on-the-court theatrics. Photograph: Kathy Willens/APKathy Willens/APBrooklyn Nets forward Reggie Evans (30) reacts after blocking a shot by New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler (6) in the first half of their NBA basketball game at Barclays Center, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, in New York. The Nets won 96-89 in overtime. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) Photograph: Kathy Willens/APHunter Felt2012-11-28T12:00:00ZJames Harden's Houston Rockets blast past faltering New York Knickshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/24/james-harden-houston-rockets-new-york-knicks
Beardsanity star has 33 points as Knicks lose second straight game; Grizzlies hand Lakers another defeat on the road<p>The <strong>Houston Rockets</strong> coasted to a 131-103 victory over the <strong>New York Knicks</strong> as James Harden scored 33 points and Chandler Parsons had a career-high 31 on Friday. Jeremy Lin added 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists for Houston in the first game against his former team.</p><p>Carmelo Anthony had a season-high 37 for New York, which dropped consecutive games for the first time this season.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/24/james-harden-houston-rockets-new-york-knicks">Continue reading...</a>NBAHouston RocketsNew York KnicksMemphis GrizzliesLos Angeles LakersJeremy LinUS sportsSportSat, 24 Nov 2012 13:47:42 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/24/james-harden-houston-rockets-new-york-knicksPat Sullivan/APHouston Rockets' James Harden, left, and Chandler Parsons grin as they look at the scoreboard during their big victory over the New York Knicks. Photograph: Pat Sullivan/APPat Sullivan/APHouston Rockets' James Harden, left, and Chandler Parsons grin as they look at the scoreboard during their big victory over the New York Knicks. Photograph: Pat Sullivan/APAssociated Press2012-11-24T13:47:42ZLeBron James helps Miami Heat beat Jeremy Lin's Houston Rocketshttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/13/lebron-james-heat-jeremy-lin-rockets
James scores 38 points as Lin airball allows Heat to escape; Rondo leads Celtics past Bulls; Millsap's Jazz beat Raptors<p>LeBron James scored a season-high 38 points as the <strong>Miami Heat</strong> rallied to beat the <strong>Houston Rockets</strong> 113-110 on Monday. Chris Bosh had 24 points and 10 rebounds and Dwyane Wade scored 19 points for the Heat, who shot 47.6% from three-point range (10 of 21) and 51% from the field overall.</p><p>Chandler Parsons scored a career-high 25 points for the Rockets and Omer Asik had a career-best 19 points and 14 rebound; Houston led 110-106 with 90 seconds left. James went three for four from the free-throw line over the next minute, then drove for the go-ahead layup with 19 seconds left. Jeremy Lin shot an airball from three-point range with 10 seconds left, Wade caught it and the Heat escaped with their sixth straight win over Houston.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/13/lebron-james-heat-jeremy-lin-rockets">Continue reading...</a>NBALeBron JamesJeremy LinMiami HeatHouston RocketsBoston CelticsChicago BullsUtah JazzToronto RaptorsDetroit PistonsOklahoma City ThunderMilwaukee BucksPhiladelphia 76ersDallas MavericksPortland Trail BlazersMinnesota TimberwolvesAtlanta HawksPhoenix SunsDenver NuggetsUS sportsSportTue, 13 Nov 2012 15:40:25 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/13/lebron-james-heat-jeremy-lin-rocketsPat Sullivan/APHouston Rockets' Jeremy Lin drives ahead of Miami Heat's LeBron James. Photograph: Pat Sullivan/APPat Sullivan/APHouston Rockets' Jeremy Lin drives ahead of Miami Heat's LeBron James. Photograph: Pat Sullivan/APAssociated Press2012-11-13T15:40:25ZJeremy Lin gets bloody nose as Houston Rockets lose to Denverhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/08/jeremy-lin-nose-houston-rockets-denver-nuggets
• Linsanity star sinks free throws despite nose injury<br />• <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/nov/08/los-angeles-lakers-james-harden-beardsanity">Five things we learned in NBA week one: here</a><p>San Antonio suffered a first loss of the season, New Orleans recorded its lowest-ever score and Jeremy Lin sank free throws with a bloodied nose in Wednesday's NBA action.</p><p>Lin's dramatic moment came near the end of the <strong>Houston Rockets'</strong> 93-87 defeat at the hands of the <strong>Denver Nuggets</strong>. Denver was up by six with 1 minute and 21 seconds remaining when Lin got a knock on the nose in a foul; he sank two free throws with paper stuffed in his left nostril to stem the bleeding.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/08/jeremy-lin-nose-houston-rockets-denver-nuggets">Continue reading...</a>NBAJeremy LinHouston RocketsDenver NuggetsSan Antonio SpursLos Angeles ClippersNew Orleans PelicansPhiladelphia 76ersLos Angeles LakersUtah JazzPhoenix SunsCharlotte HornetsMiami HeatBrooklyn NetsAtlanta HawksIndiana PacersMinnesota TimberwolvesOrlando MagicBoston CelticsWashington WizardsMemphis GrizzliesMilwaukee BucksDallas MavericksToronto RaptorsGolden State WarriorsCleveland CavaliersDetroit PistonsSacramento KingsUS sportsSportThu, 08 Nov 2012 13:39:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/08/jeremy-lin-nose-houston-rockets-denver-nuggetsPat Sullivan/APHouston Rockets' Jeremy Lin steps to the foul line with cotton in his nose after being fouled by Denver Nuggets' Andre Miller, right. Photograph: Pat Sullivan/APPat Sullivan/APHouston Rockets' Jeremy Lin steps to the foul line with cotton in his nose after being fouled by Denver Nuggets' Andre Miller, right. Photograph: Pat Sullivan/APAssociated Press2012-11-08T13:39:00ZLA Lakers slump, New York Knicks soar and how long will Beardsanity last?http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/08/los-angeles-lakers-james-harden-beardsanity
The Los Angeles Lakers stumble out of the gate; the New York Knicks had their best start in a decade; Beardsanity overtakes Houston; NBA players react to the U.S. presidential election<p>This last week was a momentous one for America, one which many Americans were anticipating, and partially dreading, for quite a long time. Obviously I'm talking about the start of the 2012-13 NBA season. Okay, so the first week of regular season basketball games isn't as momentous as <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/07/obama-american-president-continues-odyssey">a presidential election</a> but it's still a big deal for basketball fans who get to enjoy their first full season of pro hoops action in two years following a lockout shortened 2011-12. Given that in basketball, as in elections, there are clear winners and losers, fans of teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics might have had as rough a week as Mitt Romney supporters. I guess not everybody can have it as good as Knicks fans, or James Harden. Here are some of the major storylines of an eventful first week in the National Basketball Association.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/08/los-angeles-lakers-james-harden-beardsanity">Continue reading...</a>NBAUS sportsSportLos Angeles LakersJeremy LinNew York KnicksHouston RocketsBrooklyn NetsOklahoma City ThunderThu, 08 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/08/los-angeles-lakers-james-harden-beardsanityLUCY NICHOLSON/REUTERSIf the Los Angeles Lakers continue to struggle, head coach Mike Brown (here with center Dwight Howard) might not be around to see how the season ends for his team. Photograph: Lucy Nicholson/ReutersLUCY NICHOLSON/REUTERSLos Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard listens to head coach Mike Brown during their NBA basketball home opening game against the Dallas Mavericks in Los Angeles, October 30, 2012. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASKETBALL)
:rel:d:bm:GF2E8AV0B3O01 Photograph: LUCY NICHOLSON/REUTERSHunter Felt2012-11-08T12:00:00ZJames Harden and Jeremy Lin: Fear The Beard overtakes Linsanityhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/05/james-harden-jeremy-lin-fear-the-beard-linsanity
Jeremy Lin was the face of the Houston Rockets until James Harden was recruited from the Oklahoma City Thunder and scored 82 points in his first two games<p>It was James Harden who was introduced last in the pre-game ceremony before the Houston Rockets' home opener against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. Harden who took to the microphone to welcome the fans before the national anthem. Harden whose ears rang from the very loudest roars from the very loud stands.</p><p>Jeremy Lin started the NBA season as the undisputed face of the franchise. Turns out, it's even better to be the facial hair of the franchise.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/05/james-harden-jeremy-lin-fear-the-beard-linsanity">Continue reading...</a>Houston RocketsNBAUS sportsSportPortland Trail BlazersJeremy LinMon, 05 Nov 2012 13:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/05/james-harden-jeremy-lin-fear-the-beard-linsanityPat Sullivan/APJeremy Lin. Photograph: Pat Sullivan/APPat Sullivan/APHouston Rockets' James Harden pushes up against Portland Trail Blazers' Wesley Matthews. Photograph: Pat Sullivan/APPat Sullivan/APHouston Rockets' James Harden pushes up against Portland Trail Blazers' Wesley Matthews. Photograph: Pat Sullivan/APTom Dart in Houston2012-11-05T13:30:00ZNBA 2012-2013 season preview | Hunter Felthttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/oct/30/nba-2012-2013-season-preview
LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, James Harden and the rest of the NBA's stars are back this week. We look at the season ahead<p>Why does it seem the 2012-13 NBA Season has begun ridiculously early? Oh that's right, there was that lockout last year that almost sabotaged the entire season and ensured that games didn't begin until Christmas. This year, the NBA is operating right on schedule, with the regular season beginning Tuesday 30 October. With no labor strife, we have a full slate of basketball goodness ahead.</p><p>We've already had a full month of preseason. Everybody has been watching <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjf2phkUQZc">Nate Robinson hitting game-winners</a> and other such deeply meaningful heroics, right? That's way more exciting than things like the MLB playoffs, the NFL and college football... </p><p>&quot;Basketball blogging nation, I've hit the Memphis Grizzlies.<br />Help me find some way to talk about this team and please.<br />What's to say about Zach Randolph or his teammate Marc Gasol?<br />Will they remain a playoff team or just collapse in the fall?&quot;</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/oct/30/nba-2012-2013-season-preview">Continue reading...</a>NBAUS sportsSportMiami HeatOklahoma City ThunderBoston CelticsPhiladelphia 76ersNew York KnicksLos Angeles LakersBrooklyn NetsDallas MavericksSan Antonio SpursSacramento KingsIndiana PacersGolden State WarriorsLos Angeles ClippersMemphis GrizzliesMilwaukee BucksMinnesota TimberwolvesNew Orleans PelicansPortland Trail BlazersOrlando MagicAtlanta HawksToronto RaptorsHouston RocketsLeBron JamesJeremy LinCharlotte HornetsPhoenix SunsDenver NuggetsUtah JazzWashington WizardsDetroit PistonsCleveland CavaliersChicago BullsTue, 30 Oct 2012 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/oct/30/nba-2012-2013-season-previewMark J. Terrill/APWill the New Look LA Lakers (Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, Metta World Peace, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol) be the NBA team to beat in the 2012-2013 season? Photograph: Mark J. Terrill/APMark J. Terrill/APMembers of the Los Angeles Lakers, from left, Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, Metta World Peace, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, of Spain, look on during the second half of their preseason NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Los Angeles. The Kings won 99-92. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Photograph: Mark J. Terrill/APHunter Felt2012-10-30T14:49:00ZJeremy Lin brings Linsanity to Houston | Tom Darthttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/oct/02/jeremy-lin-linsanity-houston-rockets-new-york-knicks
Jeremy Lin was an instant sensation at the New York Knicks, but can he bring success to the Houston Rockets?<p>Jeremy Lin's stardom may have peaked now that he has left New York for Texas, but the 24-year-old believes that he will get &quot;a lot&quot; better as a player. That would be extraordinary for a man who last season made one of the biggest instant impacts in American sports history, but also necessary if the Rockets are to have any prospect of reaching the playoffs.</p><p>&quot;I've played 50 career games probably, something like that,&quot; Lin said on Monday. &quot;For me it is just the beginning. I'm very young in terms of learning. Every day I make a lot of mistakes in practice. As I cut down on those and hopefully grow my game I'll be able to evolve.&quot;</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/oct/02/jeremy-lin-linsanity-houston-rockets-new-york-knicks">Continue reading...</a>Jeremy LinNBAHouston RocketsUS sportsSportNew York KnicksTue, 02 Oct 2012 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/oct/02/jeremy-lin-linsanity-houston-rockets-new-york-knicksGeorge Bridges/MCT/GettyJeremy Lin of the Houston Rockets poses for pictures during the team's media day on Monday, October 1, 2012, in Houston, Texas. Photograph: George Bridges/MCT/GettyGeorge Bridges/MCT/GettyJeremy Lin of the Houston Rockets poses for pictures during the team's media day on Monday, October 1, 2012, in Houston, Texas. Photograph: George Bridges/MCT/GettyTom Dart in Houston2012-10-02T15:55:00Z